Review of Trails & Blades by Amanda Kaye

 

I’m not sure who’s more dangerous: the assassin or Alexander.

Carina has never been closer to catching her mother’s murderer, and nobody will get in her way. At least, not until the one man she hoped never to see again comes crashing back into her life. Alexander’s charming, handsome, and a total pain. Instead of avoiding her like a proper gentleman would, he’s determined to be friends again. And perhaps something more…

As they hunt the assassin known only as the Bane, Carina keeps forgetting she’s supposed to hate Alexander. But no matter what her traitorous heart tells her, she refuses to listen. After all, the Bane can only kill her. Falling in love with Alexander again could destroy her.

Can Carina avenge her mother without losing her heart or becoming the Bane’s next victim?

Amazon 

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up having read a couple of Kaye’s books before and loved them. She has a knack for making you forget the original fairy tale and instead get lost in hers. I loved Carina, and adored the way the story showed her to be strong and somewhat independent. Bringing in Alexander just made you root for the couple and hope they make it. The twists with the mystery plot kept me guessing throughout the story and that reveal was perfectly timed and just amazing. Very much recommended to all who love romance with a little bit of mystery and intrigue thrown in.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

 

Review of Forget Me by Lauren Nappi

 

Senior year is supposed to be about college applications and first loves. For Louisa Vetrone, everything shifts when her Poppa's car accident reveals a troubling decline, threatening the stability she's always known. Amidst this family crisis, Louisa's heart finds itself pulled to Brent, a childhood friend whose reappearance stirs unexpected feelings and challenges her carefully constructed world. In a year marked by loss, change, and the rediscovery of old connections, Louisa must navigate the complexities of love and family to uncover who she truly is and where she belongs.

 

Amazon  

 

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up because the blurb and cover called to me. I was not ready for the rollercoaster, for the heart-wrenching scenes, for the way you want to fight for every character and find a way to solve their problems. I adored it. I laughed. I cried, and I read it all in one sitting until the wee hours because I had to know if Louisa would stop scowling and make it. This was an amazing read, and an author to watch for me, because she tore out my heart and made it whole again. Very much recommended!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

 

Review of Afterimage by Justine Alexi

 

The world’s been destroyed.

Adam and Isabella are dead.

And Afterthoughts Labs is no closer to changing the past than they were when the experiments began.

Kanara isn’t supposed to remember any of that. She isn’t supposed to remember anything that happened during her sixtieth trial as a test subject at Afterthoughts Lab. Meanwhile, none of Kanara’s friends remember her, other than Eliot, and she can’t talk freely with him, either. Security cameras feed her every word back to her captors, and there are spies in her therapy group.

Dr. Zylen says they're here to change the past. To save the world. But Isabella left behind a message, a clue from a previous test trial where she unraveled more of the truth than even Eliot knows. If Isabella is right, there's something Dr. Zylen isn't telling them. It could be a matter of life and death.

And if anyone finds out that Kanara's on to him? Well, that's a matter of life and death, too.

Amazon 

My Review:  4.5 STARS

I read the first book in this series, and the prequel and loved them. I was itching to know what would happen next, with all the secrets out in the open and I fell into the story quickly turning the pages as I tried to predict the many twists and turns. Overall it was an excellent sequel, though there were some parts that I felt like could’ve been explained better. Though it didn’t really detract from the enthralling and compelling narrative. Will read the next book and wait anxiously to know what happens next. Recommended!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

 

Review of The Immortal Secret by Christina Farley

 

Step into a world where immortals reign and power is everything. Estrella, an immortal stripped of her memories, is banished to live as a mortal at the mysterious Home for Girls in Florida. She begins to unravel the mystery of her past and discovers dark and terrifying secrets about her own abilities.

But when she meets two immortal rivals for her heart, her life spirals further out of control. One offers protection from her past, while the other urges her to embrace it. She debates who to trust and unwittingly thrusts herself and friends at the Home into a struggle against the powers who put them there.

Yet as memories resurface, Estrella realizes her forgotten past holds a secret more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. As powerful forces try to stop her, she must decide who she can trust her heart with.

 

Amazon  

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up despite not really being one for fantasy yet the blurb called to me. The beginning was so explosive that I was hooked from the first page and dove right into a world like ours but not in so many different ways. I adored Estrella and loved how she kept her mind her own and made her own decisions. I loved the way the story twisted around the narrative so that, along with Estrella, you were never quite sure who to trust and who not to. An amazing start to a series and one I recommend!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

 

Review of The Thorn Princess by Rebekah Wilson

 

Ivy Hawthorne is certain of one thing: she's a complete freak.

Quiet, intelligent, and a little odd, Ivy has always felt like an outsider at Kingston Academy, a private boarding school in the middle of the mountains. Maybe it's because she sees auras that reveal people's moods and motives. Or it could be the connection she feels with the animals that watch her from beyond the school's iron gate. It could also be her ethereal complexion and glass green eyes that have made her the target of Kingston's top mean girls for years. Perhaps it's because sometimes, her dreams play out in reality.

And let's not forget about the fact that her mother is institutionalized for a mental illness.

But even for Ivy, things have gone from strange to downright bizarre. The animals have started following her. Strangers have been watching her. And when she gets angry or upset, inexplicable things, horrible things, are bound to happen. But the craziest thing of all is the sudden arrival of Barrett Forbes, a dark, mysterious transfer student who causes her to question who--and what--she really is.

The more Ivy gets to know Barrett, the more she learns about the dark truth behind her lonely, isolated childhood. As she digs deeper into her past, Ivy discovers the shocking truth about her family and where her true destiny lies.

Amazon 

My Review: 5 STARS

While fantasy is not usually a genre that calls to me, this one sounded like it would be right up my street, and I was delighted to fall into the pages and lose myself in a different world for a while. I adored Ivy and Bear, and the way their story was written and the twists and turns moved it along, I couldn’t help but ache for both of them. This was a perfect start to the series, especially with that ending and I am hooked, needing to know what happens next, needing to see them maybe have a happy ending. Very much recommended to all who love fantasy with a real-world view!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

Review of Adapted: Ice by Elizabeth Caroline

 

Claudia thought she was the only one. But in Westpoint, she’s not alone.

Revealing her ability to her friends brings an unexpected truth - each of them has a unique power of their own. Together, they form a group with a simple goal: to find others like them and understand who, or what, they really are. For the first time, life feels like it’s falling into place.

That is, until an old family acquaintance resurfaces, holding a grudge that’s been simmering for years. Claudia is soon dragged into his quest of revenge and becomes the victim of a mind game that causes her to switch between herself and her alter ego. A switch that is so fluid that it causes even her to question which voice is truly hers.

Now, it’s up to her friends to step up and push the limits of their abilities - abilities they’ve always held back, each for their own reasons. But their powers are untested, and the stakes are higher than ever.

 

Amazon  

 

My Review: 5 STARS

I grabbed this one when I bought the first in this series and fell in love with all the characters. The twists and turns Caroline weaves through her words allow you to settle in and get lost in her world. I adored Claudia and I loved the dynamics of all the relationships. The whole thing was something I sank into and didn’t look up again until it was over. An excellent book, and one that I recommend to all those who love the paranormal and supernatural genre.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

 

Review of Never, Not Ever by Jodie Benveniste

 

A summer of secrets and second chances

Every year, Tilly dreams of the dad she’s never known showing up for her birthday. But he never does. When she wakes up on the morning of her sixteenth birthday dadless yet again, she knows it’ll never happen.

In fact, it’s her worst birthday ever because her grandmother died a few months ago, her mum is working again, and the boy she’s in love with—the ridiculously gorgeous Josh—refuses to break up with his drama-queen girlfriend and notice her instead.

Then Tilly’s dad does show up, shocking everyone, and she works out an awful truth: Her mum and her grandma lied to her. For sixteen years! Tilly is drowning in her family’s lies. Worse, these feelings for her neighbour Zack—these stupid, flustering, more-than-friends feelings she’s been trying to ignore—mean she’s also lying to herself.

Amazon 

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up because the title and blurb pulled me in. The whole idea of life being turned upside down, and possibly finding love along the way just drew me into the story. I loved Tilly, loved Zack from the first meeting and adored the way Benveniste made you hooked on the twists and turns along the way. I loved the therapist, and the way she worked with Tilly, and the whole book was raw and emotional, while also sweet and engaging which sounds like a contradiction but very much is not. One that I recommend to everyone who loves a sweet romance with some messy parts to it!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

 

Review of Adapted: Heat by Elizabeth Caroline

 

Claudia’s escape from the research facility was supposed to be the end of her struggles - but it was only the beginning.

After years of being exploited for her unique ability, Claudia is finally free. In the quiet town of Westpoint, she discovers the father she never knew and a world of possibilities she’s only dreamed of. But adjusting to a normal life isn’t as easy as it seems. High school presents its own challenges, and when the charming quarterback shows her what love could feel like, things get even more complicated.

Yet, Claudia can’t fully escape her past. Shadows of the research facility linger, and the weight of her old mission - seeking justice for her one friend when she was back in the facility - threatens to pull her back. Can Claudia embrace the new life she’s found, or will her past drag her into the darkness once again?

 

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up having read another of Caroline’s books and was drawn into the world from the first page. I adored Claudia, and seeing her blossom and bloom after she finally gets free was a delight. Caroline has a way of creating a world that leaves you hooked, and guessing to find out where and when the twists are gonna come. I adored this world, loved Solomon and can’t wait to dive into the next book to see what happens next. Very much recommended!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

 

Interview With Hope Bolinger

I'd like to welcome Hope Bolinger to the blog for an interview! I read one of Hope's books last year and loved it!

Onto the interview!

Do you have a set routine for writing? 
I do. It's all mathematical. I tend to have a research period. And once I have compiled enough to be an "expert" in a topic, I feel ready to write. I craft a skeletonic outline and then I get going. I have a set word count I try to aim for each day, until I hit the final word count for the first draft.

What's your favourite tip for newbie writers? 
Have fun with the process. Writing is, unfortunately, the easy part. The editing, the marketing, everything afterward can be soul-sucking, so have fun with it. Write something you really believe in. 

Which genre is your favourite to write in? 
This is so hard to choose because I write MG, YA, and sweet romances. I think it depends on my mood, but the weirder, the better. Anything that stretches my imagination.

Do you have any pets? 
I do! Two very silly cats named Odin and Freya. They love each other. They tolerate me. 

Paperback or ebook? And why? 
I'm a paperback girlie. There's just something in you that feels so accomplished when you're physically flipping pages.

Where do you see yourself, and your writing, in ten years? 
I'm not sure, because I've been surprised by the last ten years of writing. I imagine I'll keep being surprised.

What's your favourite writing snack? 
I actually forget to eat when I write. It's a problem. 

You can follow Hope on Instagram.  

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here  

Review of The Princess And The Fraud by Sarah Sutton

 

A cello prodigy who walked away from music. A charming heir with no fortune and no filter. Their deal was supposed to be simple… until feelings complicated everything.

Lovey Hahn had a plan: work at the swankiest country club in the state, save every penny, and finally buy her late mother’s dream house—the one that was supposed to fix everything. Sure, she had to put her own dreams of being a professional cellist aside, but achieving her mother's dream would be worth it.

What she didn’t plan on? Aaron Astor crashing back into town.

The travel empire heir is infuriatingly handsome, absurdly confident, and says he’s “looking for love”—which is rich, considering he’s actually broke. As in, disowned-by-his-family broke. And he’s not chasing romance so much as chasing redemption: if he marries the right kind of girl, he gets his inheritance and his family’s respect.

Lovey doesn’t blow up his plan. She sees an opportunity—and makes a counteroffer: buy her mother’s dream house, and she’ll keep his little secret.

Totally reasonable. Totally business.

Except Aaron keeps showing up. In her space, in her head, and unfortunately, in her heart. And somewhere between the fake flirty smiles and real stolen moments, Lovey starts to wonder if she’s fighting for the wrong dream entirely.

Because chasing her mother’s dream is one thing. But choosing her own path and risking her heart for a guy who swore off love? That’s a whole new kind of terrifying.

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

I’ve read all of Sutton’s previous books and loved them all for different reasons, but this one hit different. This one felt like coming home, and being wrapped up in a warm hug that pulled you along through the trials and pitfalls, making you fall in love with a character that you’d previously not liked. I adored Lovey, the relatable part of her, the pain, the angst, and the way she came out of her shell and stood on her own. Sutton always has a way of making you root for the characters, for their love, and this time it was a delight to sink into the pages and just lose myself in this romance. Very much recommended and one that I can see myself going back to read again and again.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here 

Interview With Lisa Amowitz

I'd like to welcome Lisa Amowitz onto the blog today for an interview! I recently reviewed three of her books and loved them all!

Onto the interview! 

Do you have a set routine for writing?
Generally, I try to get in 1-2 hours of writing/revising each morning.

What's your favourite tip for newbie writers?
Focus on your craft, take criticism graciously, and don’t be in a rush to publish.

What was your experience writing your first book?
My first book was TERRIBLE. It took me three years to write and is now in a dark, dark drawer never to be seen again. My second book wasn’t much better, but it only took me a year to write. My third book got me my first agent, but was never published. My fourth book got me my second agent and became my THIRD published book, and my fifth book, BREAKING GLASS became my first published book. I still love that book and indie-published it in 2022 after getting my rights back from my publisher.

Do you have a favourite place to write outside of your usual space?
I love writing outside on the deck of the little cottage we rent every summer in upstate NY.

Do you hoard notebooks or anything else writing related?
Yes. I hoard notebooks! And books. And bookshelves.

Which genre is your favourite to write in?
Up until this year I have written only YA. This year I’m starting a new genre, cozy paranormal mystery.

Which social media do you enjoy using the most?
I don’t love social media and that’s why I’ve hired an assistant to help me with it.

What's your favourite writing snack?
I guzzle either coffee, coconut water, or tea. Not much of a snacker!

 You can follow Lisa on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky & TikTok.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here 

Review of Moon Born by Ashley Olivier

 

One girl, one curse, one fate...

Myla knew she was different from the first moment she drew breath. Blood moons spawn dark magic, and she’s been drowning in it since that fateful day she was born. Something changed that day. Monsters now haunt the forest, snatching villagers under darkness. Fellow humans look at Myla in fear, and no one can understand how a simple girl brought on such a terrible fate for the village.

The other side calls to her, something dark and all too familiar. There has to be a way out of this curse—a way to free this place, and Myla, from the darkness.

Emer grew up in a palace plagued by shadows and secrets. The throne is waiting for him, but he can’t let himself be drawn to this power. Not when there’s a tear in the veil that’s been growing for the past eighteen years, allowing more and more darkness into the other side to terrorize the humans.

Nothing the king has tried has been able to remedy this, and Emer’s world of shadows is at risk of completely spilling over into the human world.

But when the prince of darkness meets the girl born under the blood moon in his quest to close the veil, a new host of questions come to light, and neither of them have any idea of the danger waiting for them. Nor that love and hope could possibly be so painful. 

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up because the cover called to me, and the thought of an intriguing fantasy with hints of romance just made me want to jump right in and lose myself in the story. The world building is beautifully done, and while there are some hard hitting scenes, it really did add to the depth of the story itself. I adored Myla and Emer, and hope that with where the book ended, we get the next book soon because I need to know what happens to them both. Overall an excellent start to a series, and very much recommended!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Review of A Secret Deep And Savage by Lisa Amowitz

 

Rosalie Gatell may have saved Salttain Island, but her triumph comes at a devastating cost. With Liam cursed and her own scars still raw, she's plunged into the perilous depths of the Institute, surrounded by whispers of conspiracy and potential traitors.

Faced with an impossible choice, Rosalie must decide: embrace her family's dark legacy or forfeit her memories and any hope of saving the boy she loves. Fate forces her hand when a terrifying new threat emerges, binding her destiny to her fiercest rival, Jessica. Their explosive connection hints at unimaginable powers, but it also puts both girls in grave danger. Jessica might just be the key to Liam's salvation, but can Rosalie trust her?

As darkness closes in and the clock ticks down, Rosalie and her unlikely allies find themselves on the run. Liam's life hangs in the balance, and unimaginable evil breathes down their necks. They must race against time to thwart a disaster that could obliterate not just their world, but the entire planet.

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

I read the first book, and the prequel, so it made sense for me to dive into the second book and see what lays ahead for Rosalie and Liam. I adored the worldbuilding and the way Amowitz always has you in the centre of the action. While there were parts I liked less, overall the story has you hooked and pulled into the world, the twists keeping you turning the pages. The whole thing was a wild ride, and a series I’ll have to finish off to know the final ending! 

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Review of Everything Blue by Elizabeth Caroline

"The blue sky was her last favourite thing from the old world, and when it was taken, so was Nate and pretty much every reason she’d had to smile."

In a world left in ruins by a devastating virus that claimed the lives of every adult, Tori, a torn teenager, finds herself navigating a fragile existence alongside a small group of survivors. Haunted by the death of her best friend Nate, Tori clings to the protection of Sky, Nate's older brother and the one constant in her chaotic world. 

Together, with the rest of their small gang, united by a shared loss, they strive to rebuild a semblance of normality in a world unravelling at the seams. 

Yet, as external threats loom and their sanctuary faces peril, she finds an unexpected connection with a newcomer, who mirrors her own anger and distrust. Together, they grapple with the uncertainties of love and friendship, mirroring the shifting hues of a world forever altered.

Amazon

 

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up because the blurb and cover made it sound like something that I’d be interested in. Diving in on release day, I was hooked. The world was rich, the characters relatable and engaging and the plot just took you along on a ride that you did not want to get off of. I adored Tori, and Sky, and all of the characters and found myself desperate to know more, to see how it all came together and to see what would come next for them in this world of so much difference. Very much recommended and a good read for all those who love apocalyptic fiction.

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Review Of A Promise Bright And Fragile by Lisa Amowitz

 

Orphaned young and thrust into foster care, 18-year-old Tyler Fredericks remembers nothing of Salttain, the mysterious Maine island where he was born. His only link to his past is the shadowy Uncle Randy, a man whose unsettling presence makes Tyler feel as if his thoughts are being twisted.

Desperate to break free, Tyler relies on his stellar academic record, his uncanny knack for winning people over, and his secret love for Rosalie Gatell, the brilliant and beautiful daughter of a legendary climate activist. Rosalie is still grieving her father’s death, and Tyler has promised to never attend the Maine university where he taught—to always be there for her.

But when Uncle Randy dangles an irresistible scholarship offer, Tyler’s plans unravel, dragging him back to the one place he swore he’d never go. As inexplicable events begin to threaten the fabric of his reality, he must fight to maintain his sanity—and discover whether it’s true that you can’t go home again.

 

Amazon

 

My Review:  5 STARS

I picked this up when I grabbed the first in the series but was advised, even though it’s a prequel, to read after book one, and I have to agree with that. Seeing the start of the story with Tyler, and knowing, having read the first book all the things to watch out for, I was enthralled and excited to dive into this world more and learn a little bit of the backstory. Tyler and his fight against his uncle just made the world richer and more real and engaging, pulling you into the lore, the world, and everything within it. Very much recommended, and have to agree with advice to read book one first, and then the prequel!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Review of Community Garden by Kyla Stan

 

 

Nilsa “Nichi” Rivera struggles every day with her fibromyalgia pain after her papi passed away the previous summer. Her disability causes extreme muscle discomfort, exhaustion, and she tries to force herself through a normal teenage life. Plus, living in a strict Puerto Rican household is not easy when Mami picks on Nichi’s weight, lifestyle, and inability to fight through her physical disability. But when the topic for this year’s senior project is Improving the Community, Nichi scrambles for an idea, until she comes across an empty lot and immediately envisions a garden for her barrio, or neighborhood. Plus, a new girl at school steals Nichi’s heart with her punk rock style and flirtatious ways.

Nichi must face financial burdens, family conflict, and understanding her sexuality. But can she break the barriers of a traditional Latin household while dealing with insurmountable grief?

In this celebratory novel about love, family, and the power of gardening, Nichi learns to find meaning in her life and how she can remember her papi.

 

Amazon 

 

My Review: 5 STARS

Having read books by Stan before, when this one popped up on my feed, I had to read it. Not just because of the sound of the story, but also the chronic illness rep, and the way the blurb called to me. I adored Nichi and Jayden, the way they both came together, even with Nichi trying to honour her father with the garden. The story was a quick read but packed with hard hitting scenes and rep. The way Stan portrayed Fibromyalgia really drew me into the story. Very much recommended and one I enjoyed!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Review of Foresight by Justine Alexi

 

Junior FBI agent Eliot Wong is assigned to Zylen Mental Hospital on a tip that they might be performing unethical research on their patients. At first, there doesn't seem to be much to it. At least, nothing to justify his commissioner's unease.

But then Eliot meets Kanara Jensen, a patient with a violent past and a (deceptively?) pretty face. Kanara has been hearing a voice in her head that gives her the ability to predict the future. It can't predict everything, but when it does make predictions, they're always correct.

And it started when she got to the hospital.

Amazon

My Review: 5 STARS

I picked this up because I read the first book in the series and wanted to read how it all started. With Eliot first starting out and knowing the twists that come in the first book, I was enthralled to read the very start. A quick read, but one that had me turning the pages rapidly, desperate to know how it would all come together. Very much recommended, but also to be read after you’ve read the first book so that you get those twists and such in the right order!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Review of An Island Strange And Wild by Lisa Amowitz

 

Live for today, before the island eats you alive…

When her fellow climate activist and secret crush dies unexpectedly, 18-year-old science prodigy Rosalie Gatell ditches her prestigious summer program for the remote, uncharted island where he was born. There, she discovers shocking secrets about her own past—and an island that defies the laws of nature, complete with a vanishing walled garden, a miraculous healing plant, and an unknown aunt trapped in a tree. But nothing confounds Rosalie as much as the enigmatic Liam, a reckless and beautiful island boy with a supernatural green thumb.

Falling for Liam is the worst idea imaginable, especially since he’s under a diabolical curse—but Rosalie can’t help herself. The closer she gets to unraveling his secrets and the island’s mysteries, the more she discovers that she possesses unexpected abilities of her own. But there’s no time to revel in her newfound magic. An ancient evil is stalking Salttain Island. And Rosalie will have to rely on her powers, instead of logic or science, to free Liam from his curse while keeping the corrosive threat from consuming her and everyone she’s ever loved.

 

Amazon

 

My Review:  4.5 STARS

I picked this up because the cover called to me, and the blurb sounded exceptionally interesting. The thought of secret gardens and a fantasy world wrapped up in intrigue and thrilling twists kept me reading and interested. I adored Rosalie, adored the way Amowitz peeling back the layers of the truth of the island and brought things to a point where you, as the reader, are lost in the world, the pages, and all the hints and marvels that are woven through the pages. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and very much recommend it!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Review of That Girl Who Ran Off And Kissed A Vampire by KRS McEntire

 

Eighteen-year-old Raven has always had a plan: college, a stable job, and marriage to her high school sweetheart—all within the safe boundaries of her comfort zone. As a neurodivergent girl adopted into a family of high achievers, she understands the importance of stability. But when a single disastrous day leaves her without a job, her best friend, or her boyfriend, Raven’s carefully planned future unravels.

Desperate for a fresh start, Raven takes a leap of faith in the form of a mysterious job offer that lands her in a magical realm where humans coexist with fae, dragons, vampires, and other fantastical creatures. Her unlikely guide is Hunter, a snarky and secretive vampire who insists her bloodline holds the key to breaking an ancient curse. Reluctantly, Raven agrees to help, embarking on a quest filled with impromptu hip-hip concerts in medieval taverns, sassy talking unicorns, and growing feelings for Hunter. But as sparks fly, so do her suspicions about his true intentions.

To save a kingdom—and herself—Raven must uncover the secrets of her heritage and decide if she’s willing to risk everything for a magical world and a love that feels too impossible to be real.

 

Amazon 

My Review: 5 STARS

I’ve read other books my McEntire and so knew I was in for a treat with this one. I always love their rich worlds, with a hint of more beneath the surface. I adored Raven, and loved how the story drew me in and made me sit up and want to finish it all in one sitting. I only didn’t because sadly sleep isn’t optional. I adored Hunter too, the twists and turns had me flicking through the pages, feeling like I’d find the answers but knowing that I was still going to be surprised. That ending cinched it for me and I can’t wait for the next book! Very much recommended!

Join Joey here on the blog on Fridays for interviews, reviews and guest bloggers. If you'd be interested in doing any of those, you can contact Joey here

Review of Pomela's Revenge by Kyla Stan

 

They believed that evil was vanquished…until they unleashed the Death Goddess.

After the war with Manitou, Violet Poet-Tongue is now an honored member of the Skin Walker pack alongside Tohon, the warrior alpha who bit her. She is celebrated among her new people and claimed a hero, but Violet senses something dark within the wilderness, an unspeakable evil that grows stronger every day.

Then on a cold winter morning, Queen Kamaria of the Bastet Clan, Tohon’s mother, arrives with members of her pack, including a feisty daughter named Hila, and Tafari, a wise shaman. They seek shelter after facing the perils of their homeland. But Violet also learns the Bastets had a vision of Pomela, Goddess of Death, and she desires to kill all Animal Children using ancient earthen spirits called Primordials. To make matters even more complicated, Kamaria has secrets about her magick she won’t reveal, causing tension between Violet and the Bastets.

Violet and Tohon must face ancient monsters and magickal secrets, but can they stop Pomela while forming an alliance with the Bastet Clan? 

Amazon

My Review: 4.5 STARS

I picked this up having read the first book and was looking forward to getting lost in the world again. While it’s a short quick read, there were some parts that I felt could’ve been expanded upon, though it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of it. Stan has a way of making the world vivid for you and pulling you into it, and taking you along for the ride. Overall a good read!

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